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13 Killed In Renewed Attacks In Plateau Communities

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13 Killed In Renewed Attacks In Plateau Communities

Tragedy struck in Rachas village, Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District, both of Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State as 13 persons were confirmed killed in a separate attacks in the two communities

The chairman of Barkin Ladi local government area council, Hon. Stephen Gyang Pwajok, who confirmed the killings, said the attacks, which occurred in the late hours of Tuesday, were “unprovoked and deeply regrettable.”

Speaking during the mass burial of the victims at Rachas village, the local government chairman condemned the heinous act and expressed sympathy to the affected families and communities.

He assured that the government remained committed to exploring all possible avenues to restore and sustain peace in the area.

Similarly, the District Head of Heipang, Da Paul Tadi-Tok, decried the continued attacks on innocent villagers and called for decisive action to prevent a recurrence.

He urged authorities to restrict herders from grazing in communities where Fulani are not resident, saying such measures would help reduce friction and prevent infiltration by attackers posing as herders.

The traditional ruler further called for the revitalisation and strengthening of Operation Rainbow, the state-owned community security outfit, to enable them to respond promptly to distress situations in rural communities.

Meanwhile, the Security Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Coordinator, Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Shippi Gakji Goshwe (Rtd.) reaffirmed Plateau State Government’s commitment to improving community-based security operations.

He disclosed that Operation Rainbow is currently undergoing a recruitment process and that new personnel would be trained and equipped to support conventional security agencies in tackling the wave of attacks across the state.

Meanwhile, the President of the Berom Youth Movement (BYM), Barr Solomon Nwantiri, has condemned the attacks and echoed calls for the restriction of cattle grazing in non-Fulani communities.

He questioned the recurring justification of alleged cattle rustling as a reason for killing innocent people.

The fresh attacks in Barkin Ladi LGA came amid growing calls from residents and leaders for decisive and impartial security intervention to halt the persistent killings in rural communities across Plateau State.

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Who is Victor Osimhen? : Biography, Children, Wife, Career, Net Worth, Clubs and Scandal

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Who is Victor Osimhen? : Biography, Children, Wife, Career, Net Worth, Clubs and Scandal

Victor James Osimhen is Nigeria’s most influential footballer and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football. 

His journey from a street hawker in Lagos to being crowned Africa’s best player is a powerful narrative, and his role in the Super Eagles of Nigeria is central to the team’s ambitions.

Biography & Early Life

Full Name: Victor James Osimhen Born: December 29, 1998 Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria

Victor Osimhen was born into a large family as the youngest of six children and grew up in the Olusosun area of Lagos, near a massive dumpsite. His early life was characterized by immense hardship. To help his family survive, he worked from a young age, selling sachet water and cleaning gutters on the busy streets of Lagos.

He found his escape and inspiration in football, idolizing African greats like Didier Drogba. His first breakthrough came with the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos, setting the stage for his remarkable journey to professional football.

Career Overview

International Career (Super Eagles)

Osimhen’s career trajectory with the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, has been one of immense promise and delivered results.

  • Golden Eaglet Star: He first gained global recognition at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he led Nigeria to victory, winning the Golden Boot (top scorer with 10 goals) and the Silver Ball (second-best player).
  • Senior Debut: He made his senior debut in 2017.
  • Talisman: He has become the undisputed spearhead of the Super Eagles attack, known for his relentless work rate and clinical finishing. He was the top scorer in the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with 10 goals.
  • AFCON Success: He helped Nigeria finish as runners-up in the 2023 AFCON, and he is currently the second all-time highest goalscorer for the national team.

Club Career (Clubs)

YearsClubKey Achievements
2017–2019VfL Wolfsburg(Germany)Started senior career, limited appearances.
2018–2019 (Loan)Charleroi(Belgium)Revitalized his career, scoring 20 goals in 36 games.
2019–2020Lille OSC(France)Scored 18 goals in all competitions, earning a major transfer.
2020–2025Napoli (Italy)Italian Serie A Champion (2023), Serie A Top Scorer (2023), African Player of the Year(2023). Transferred for a club-record fee, becoming one of the best strikers in the world.
2024–PresentGalatasaray(Turkey)Currently on a successful loan/transfer spell.

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Personal Life, Family & Net Worth

Family, Partner & Children

Osimhen lost his mother, Christiana Osimhen, early in life, and his father, Patrick Osimhen, passed away in 2020. He is the youngest of six siblings.

  • Wife/Partner: Victor Osimhen is known for keeping his personal life private. He is currently not married but is in a relationship with his partner, Stephanie, who he publicly keeps out of the media spotlight.
  • Children: He has one child, a daughter named Haly, who was born in October 2022.

Net Worth and Financial Status

Victor Osimhen is one of Africa’s highest-paid footballers. While exact figures fluctuate due to confidentiality clauses and varied reporting, his net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $30 million, primarily driven by:

  • High Salary: His contracts with top European clubs like Napoli and Galatasaray come with high weekly wages.
  • Transfer Fees: His transfer from Lille to Napoli was a club-record fee of up to €80 million, and his later move to Galatasaray continued to break transfer records.
  • Endorsements: He holds lucrative sponsorship deals with global brands, notably Nike and others in Nigeria.

Controversy

Despite his phenomenal success, Osimhen has been involved in a few controversies, often related to his aggressive on-field passion and sensitive club dealings:

  • Napoli TikTok Video (2023): Napoli’s official TikTok account posted a video that appeared to mock Osimhen after he missed a penalty. His agent threatened legal action against the club, stating the video caused “very serious damage.” The club later deleted the video and issued a statement to resolve the tension.
  • Forced Transfer Claim: In an investigation into the financial dealings of his 2020 transfer from Lille to Napoli, Osimhen reportedly told authorities that he felt pressured or forced into signing the deal while he was mourning the death of his father, claiming his former agent and club officials rushed the transfer without his full consent or access to the contract draft.
  • Disputes with Napoli: The end of his time at Napoli was marked by a strained relationship with the club, including an inability to agree on a new contract and disputes over his transfer, which ultimately led to his loan/transfer to Galatasaray.

Disclaimer: 

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

It is the policy of NewsWireNGR not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or another independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of NewsWireNGR.

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Super Eagles have confirmed they will play Gabon in the semi-final of the African playoffs, as they seek to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

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Super Eagles have confirmed they will play Gabon in the semi-final of the African playoffs, as they seek to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

The Super Eagles have confirmed they will play Gabon in the semi-final of the African playoffs, as they seek to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria qualified thanks to a 4-0 win over Benin Republic on Tuesday night.

Victor Osimhen scored the first three goals, before Frank Onyeka volleyed in the decisive fourth.

The fourth goal meant Nigeria beat Burkina Faso to the fourth and last playoff spot.

A tweet from the Super Eagles’ handle on Wednesday morning, read: “Our opponents for the African World Cup playoff semi-final are Gabon.

“Win here, reach the final and then the inter-confederation playoffs await.

“Save the date.”

Nigeria will play Gabon on November 13 and if they win that game, Eric Chelle’s men will then take on the winner between Cameroon and Congo DR, for the continental ticket.

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Benin coach Gernot Rohr has explained why his team was defeated 4-0 against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in 2026 World Cup qualifier

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Benin coach Gernot Rohr has explained why his team was defeated 4-0 against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has explained why his team was defeated 4-0 against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Rohr watched as three goals from Victor Osimhen and a goal from Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the victory against Benin.

Speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference in Uyo, Rohr suggested that it was difficult for Benin to beat Nigeria because Eric Chelle’s side were also playing for the playoffs.

He added that Benin also missed two suspended players and three injured players against the Super Eagles.

“They started with a goal in the third minute. I don’t know whether it’s offside or not. We had to build a new defence because of the yellow cards,” Rohr said.

“Today, we are a little bit disappointed because the dream of going to the World Cup is finished.

“There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup with our country, Benin, for the first time in history. We could not; we had to win here.

“To win in Nigeria when Nigeria is also playing for the playoffs is something very difficult, especially if you miss two suspended players from the last game in Rwanda and three injured players we had from the September games.

“We don’t have enough high-level players. We have some players who are playing in the fifth division in France, but I’m proud of my team.

“I’m proud because they did so well in these qualifiers for the World Cup, and we could hope until the last game today to go there.

“That is why I’m happy to be the coach of this team. It is a young team still learning.”

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Four African countries that have proceeded to the 2026 World Cup playoffs have confirmed

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Four African countries that have proceeded to the 2026 World Cup playoffs have confirmed

The four African countries that have proceeded to the 2026 World Cup playoffs have confirmed.

This follows the conclusion of the qualifying series on Tuesday night.

They are Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria and Congo DR.

Gabon confirmed second place in Group F with a 2–0 win against Burundi and Ivory Coast’s thumping of Kenya to win the group.

Cameroon joined them after placing second in Group D behind Cape Verde.

The Super Eagles beat Benin Republic 4-0 to boost their goal difference and qualify.

DR Congo claimed a narrow 1–0 win over Sudan to finish runners-up in Group B behind Senegal.

The play-offs are scheduled to take place in Morocco from November 13 to 16.

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Victor Osimhen: The Spearhead of the Super Eagles

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Victor Osimhen: The Spearhead of the Super Eagles

Victor James Osimhen is Nigeria’s most influential footballer and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football. His journey from a street hawker in Lagos to being crowned Africa’s best player is a powerful narrative, and his role in the Super Eagles of Nigeria is central to the team’s ambitions.

Top Things About Victor Osimhen

Achievement/TraitDetail
CAF Player of the Year (2023)He became the first Nigerian man to win the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999, cementing his status as the continent’s current King of Football.
Historic Club SuccessHe was the catalyst for SSC Napoli winning their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years (2022/2023 season), where he finished as the league’s top scorer (Capocannoniere).
Ballon d’Or RecognitionOsimhen finished eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting, becoming the first Nigerian player to ever make the top ten shortlist for the award.
Winning Mentality & Work RateKnown for his relentless intensity, pace, and physical strength. He is celebrated not just for his clinical finishing but for being the team’s first defender, constantly pressing and harassing opposition backlines with his incredible work ethic.
Golden Boot WinnerHe first rose to global prominence by leading Nigeria to victory at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won both the Golden Boot (top scorer with 10 goals) and the Silver Ball (second-best player).
Nigerian Record ChaserHe is currently the second all-time highest goalscorer for the Super Eagles, rapidly closing in on the record held by the legendary Rashidi Yekini.

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Osimhen’s Role in the Super Eagles

Victor Osimhen is more than just a goalscorer for the Nigerian national team; he is the undisputed spearhead and talisman of the attack.

1. The Primary Goal Threat

Osimhen provides the Super Eagles with a world-class finisher capable of scoring from any position.

  • Goal Guarantee: He was the top scorer in the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with 10 goals, highlighting his indispensable ability to convert chances at the international level.
  • Recent Impact: His recent hat-trick against Benin Republic in a must-win World Cup qualifier (2025) cemented his role as the clutch performer the team relies on.

2. Leader by Example

While his goals grab headlines, his non-stop effort and mental strength define his leadership role within the squad.

  • Relentless Pressing: He sets the tempo for the entire team, using his immense stamina to press defenders and force turnovers, which is crucial for Nigeria’s tactical setup.
  • Team Focus: Despite the personal pressure to score, he often prioritizes the team. During the 2023 AFCON, even when he only scored one goal in the group stage, his tireless running, ability to hold up the ball, and drawing of a crucial penalty against the host nation Côte d’Ivoire were vital to Nigeria’s run to the final.

3. Symbol of Hope

To millions of Nigerians, Osimhen’s journey from a childhood of poverty to global football stardom is a massive source of national pride and motivation. He carries the weight of Nigeria’s massive footballing expectation, embodying the team’s desire to return to continental dominance.

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All 9 African teams that have qualified for 2026 World Cup [Complete List]

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All 9 African teams that have qualified for 2026 World Cup [Complete List]

The nine African countries that secured automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup have been confirmed.

Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal became the last teams to complete the line-up on Tuesday night.

The Elephants thrashed Kenya 3-0, thanks to goals from Frank Kessie, Yan Diamonde and Amad Diallo.

This victory confirms the Ivorians’ fourth World Cup appearance and the first time they will be featuring at the tournament since 2014.

The Teranga Lions crushed Mauritania 4-0 to pip DR Congo to top spot in Group B ending the campaign on 24 points, one better than The Leopards who now qualify for the play off after they saw off Sudan.

Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal join Ghana, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Cape Verde and Algeria as the countries that clinched automatic tickets.

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Alibaba, has defended polygamy, describing it as a system that promotes family stability and helps curb infidelity among men

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Alibaba, has defended polygamy, describing it as a system that promotes family stability and helps curb infidelity among men

Veteran comedian, Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, has defended polygamy, describing it as a system that promotes family stability and helps curb infidelity among men.

He made these remarks during an interview with media personality Nedu which started trending on Tuesday, arguing that having multiple wives could foster cooperation among them and discourage men from having extramarital affairs.

“Some people feel if it’s only one wife, you may not be able to control the wife. But if the wife knows that you have more than one, she will calm down. She will calm down because she knows that if she misbehaves, another person will be available,” he said.

He also cited cultural practices in parts of the country, particularly in Ibadan, where, according to him, women sometimes encouraged their husbands to take more wives to maintain peace in the home.

“So there are different reasons for polygamy. I actually know of a woman in Ibadan who encouraged her husband to be polygamous. Most of them back then, I don’t know who wants to doubt this, the women marry a young girl and give to the husband.,” he added.

According to him, such arrangements were often made to prevent men from keeping concubines.

“And they do that because they don’t want the man to have concubines. You have families where when the brother that married the woman dies, and she’s either just a new wife or she had just two children, and they need the children to be taken care of, and you don’t want her to go to another family.

“They call all the brothers and say, which of you can take over this girl and take care of her? So if the man already had a wife, that’s a cause for polygamy.

While admitting that many people criticise polygamy, Alibaba maintained that it remains a long-standing cultural system rooted in responsibility and family preservation.

“And as much as people try to say it is not right, like in your introduction, there are people who say no, it’s not right. The same person would have about like three, four, five children”

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Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has travelled to the United Kingdom to seek medical attention

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Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has travelled to the United Kingdom to seek medical attention

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has travelled to the United Kingdom to seek medical attention, multiple sources close to the development confirmed on Tuesday morning.

The report, first published by Western Post, was confirmed by a source who had earlier told The PUNCH that the minister might seek medical attention abroad if the need arises.

The source confirmed on Tuesday that the decision had now been made, saying, “It’s true, he has left already.”

Edun left Abuja for Lagos on Monday night via a commercial flight.

He later departed for London aboard a British Airways flight on the same night.

Until his departure, Presidency officials who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday had maintained that Edun was recuperating at his Abuja residence under the care of Nigerian doctors.

The sources said the minister had taken ill in recent days but dismissed earlier rumours that he had suffered a stroke or was incapacitated.

One senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak to the press on the matter, told The PUNCH that Edun’s condition was being monitored closely.

“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke. As I’m talking to you, he’s in his house. He’s not been flown anywhere,” the source had said on Sunday evening.

The official, however, added that doctors might recommend foreign medical care if necessary, a decision that has now been made.

Another aide familiar with the matter confirmed that Edun’s medical situation had prompted closer attention from the President but stressed that “there are no plans to replace him.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that the minister had fallen ill but was initially receiving treatment in Nigeria.

“Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga said on Sunday.

The Presidency had earlier debunked speculation that President Bola Tinubu was considering a replacement for the finance minister.

However, it confirmed that the minister would miss this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

According to a statement by Onanuga, the Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, would instead lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global finance meetings, which begin today, Tuesday, October 14.

Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has been a key figure in the Tinubu administration’s economic reform drive, overseeing the removal of petrol subsidies, unification of foreign exchange rates, and fiscal measures aimed at stabilising the naira and curbing inflation.

He served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under Tinubu’s administration between 1999 and 2004 and later co-founded investment banking firm Denham Management Limited.

At the time of this report, the Ministry of Finance had yet to issue an official statement on the minister’s whereabouts.

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Can’t spell victory without Victor, CAF hails Osimhen’s hat-trick for Nigeria

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Can’t spell victory without Victor, CAF hails Osimhen’s hat-trick for Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football has heaped praise on Victor Osimhen following his breathtaking hat-trick in the Super Eagles’ 4-0 victory against Benin Republic in their final Group C match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The win, which revived Nigeria’s qualification hopes, sealed their place in the playoff round of the qualifiers.

Following the match, CAF took to social media to salute Osimhen’s brilliance, describing him as the “main man” for Nigeria after his three-goal masterclass.

In a post on its Instagram page on Tuesday that quickly went viral, CAF wrote, “Can’t spell Victory without Victor.  Mainman Osimhen comes clutch for Nigeria once again. ”

Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker, scored very early after a brilliant link-up with Samuel Chukwueze.

The two players combined again in the 37th minute, with Chukwueze delivering a precise cross that Osimhen headed powerfully into the net for Nigeria’s second goal.

Benin tried to rally after halftime, with Andreas Hountondji forcing a save from Stanley Nwabali, but their hopes were soon crushed when Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute with a powerful header off a Moses Simon cross that struck the upright before rolling in.

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Osimhen is ‘best striker in the world,’ Coach Chelle says after Benin victory

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Osimhen is ‘best striker in the world,’ Coach Chelle says after Benin victory

The Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, has commended his players for their superlative performance in the last World Cup qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin, which they won 4-0.

The match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday was tension-soaked, but the early goal by Victor Osihmen in the 3rd minute was a relief.

Mr Chelle, during the post-match news conference, said that the players sacrificed their full energy to win the match.

He described the players as champions, stressing that they were focused and purposeful throughout the duration of the game.

He, however, noted that the game was not yet over until they win the play-off and get the final qualification to the World Cup.

“I am surprised by my players. They deserved this game because it was not easy.

“So, now we are going to Morocco. It is not yet finished. It will be very difficult, but tonight, I am very happy for the players.

“They played a great game today and two days ago, like I said before, it is well, it is well, we are here.

“I am happy for the fact they brought us the victory, which serves to help us push us to the next level.

“The players played a very good game, especially the best striker in the world, Victor Osimhen,” Chelle said.

The Super Eagles Captain, Troost Ekong, said he was proud to be a member of the team.

According to him, everyone played their hearts out to ensure victory in the qualifying match against Benin.

He thanked Nigerians for their massive support throughout the qualifying series, stressing that the people loved good football.

The captain acknowledged that the game was not yet over, as the team still had a lot of work to do in the play-off.

The Coach of Benin, Gernot Rohr, regretted that the dream of his team getting to the World Cup had been ruined by the 0-4 defeat at the hands of the Super Eagles.

He acknowledged that the Super Eagles had experienced and talented players, which gave them victory in the match.

Rohr said that the Cheetahs were young players with less experience, but played very good football.

“There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup, also with Beninois for the first time in history, but we could not.
“You know, we don’t have enough players of high level.

“As you know, we have some players who started the match; they don’t even have clubs; we also have players who play in the 5th division in France, but I am proud of my team.

“They did very well in this World Cup qualifier, but until the last game today. I am very happy to be the coach of this team.

“It is a young team; there are still things to learn. They started with a goal in the first minutes,” Rohr said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s last-minute goal were all the Super Eagles needed to move to the next qualification round.

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No Entry to Exco Meeting Without Wearing Tinubu’s ‘Asiwaju Cap’ – Edo Governor Okpebholo says

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No Entry to Exco Meeting Without Wearing Tinubu’s ‘Asiwaju Cap’ – Edo Governor Okpebholo says

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to newly appointed commissioners, declaring that anyone who fails to wear the ‘Asiwaju cap’ popularly known as the Tinubu cap will be barred from attending Executive Council meetings.

Speaking on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the swearing-in of 20 new commissioners and members of various boards, Okpebholo emphasized his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, stressing that the event would not have been possible without the president’s support.

He recalled that in previous elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) struggled in Edo due to lack of backing from the presidency, but said that had changed under Tinubu’s leadership. “Before we begin, let me say this could not have happened without a responsible President. We’ve had many elections here, and our major problem was that the President wasn’t with us,” he said.

“You see this cap I’m wearing? I will not forgive any commissioner who isn’t wearing it. If you come to the Exco in traditional attire without this Asiwaju cap, you’re going back,” he warned.

The governor also cautioned against corruption and misconduct, insisting his administration would not tolerate any behavior that could damage its reputation.

Okpebholo noted that the appointments were based on merit and reminded the appointees that their positions were a call to serve, not a political reward.

“Your nominations are not rewards or patronage but a call to serve the people of Edo State. Our administration is committed to practical governance that directly impacts lives. We are focused on service delivery and tangible results, not propaganda,” he added.

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